Hyperbolic crocheting

Hyperbolic crochet was “discovered in 1997 by Cornell University mathematician Dr. Daina Taimina… The basic process for making these forms is a simple pattern or algorithm, which on its own produces a mathematically pure shape, but by varying or mutating this algorithm, endless variations and permutations of shape and form can be produced. The Crochet Reef project thus becomes an on-going evolutionary experiment…”

sM – Several of your children could start a satellite reef on your dining room side board. It would look a lot better than the old Christmas decorations there. Here is a YouTube video for inspiration. And something more mathematical, which I can’t be bothered to read.

I would start a crochet cactus garden if I had time. As it is, I barely have time to water my real cacti, which is probably why they are doing so well. I wouldn’t want them to feel dispensible.

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2 thoughts on “Hyperbolic crocheting”

I love the story of the growing international coral reef and somehow the connection between higher mathematics, fractals, nature and crochet makes me take a second look at handcrafted items. Those snowflake doilies that Grandma used to make were actually experimental algorithms! Get going with your hook and yarn, Clare – cacti would be spectacular!

I don’t know how far I’ll get with this, but I did relieve my mother of several crochet hooks today. The problem will be in avoiding the kewpie doll look. I am not a fan of crocheted Christmas decorations, either. Coral reef seems to suit the medium so well. I think cacti would be fabulous, but less forgiving of my amateur attempts, so I’ll save that ambition until at least my second article.